"Eh?!"
Eriri's cheeks turned as red as an apple. She shot him a shy glare.
"Rei Ao, y-you're too mean!"
"Oh?"
Rei Ao grinned mischievously.
"So does Eriri not like me like this? Or would you prefer we not have any fun together? Didn't you invite me home for this very reason?"
He was clearly teasing her, hoping to hear Eriri say something embarrassing in her own words.
"Ugh…"
With just a few words, she was already retreating into his jacket like a little steam bun, but Rei Ao didn't let her go:
"Eriri, if you don't want to do anything, I'll just leave after dinner, okay~?"
"Ugh… Y-you're awful!"
It was a blatant threat—but she couldn't deny she wanted him to stay. She longed to get closer to him and do those things, ever since she'd had a taste and found it irresistible. Having him spell it out was mortifying, but refusing him would mean missing her chance.
"You're always bullying me…"
Eriri mumbled in a voice like a mosquito's buzz,
"I-I want you to bully me…really badly!"
She said it as if it took every ounce of courage.
"Haha."
Rei Ao reveled in that teasing victory.
"No worries. I'll make sure to bully you as much as you want."
Shortly thereafter, the train arrived. The two boarded. Thanks to Rei Ao's abilities, it wasn't crowded, and Eriri remained in her turtle-like shy posture, too embarrassed to speak. Rei Ao didn't provoke her any further, so they traveled peacefully.
…
Exiting the train, they strolled a short distance and arrived at Eriri's Western-style villa. Passing through the neatly trimmed garden, they reached the front door. Eriri pressed the doorbell.
After just one ring, the door opened.
"Welcome back, Eriri, Rei Ao."
Standing at the entrance was Sayuri (Eriri's mother), wearing a soft smile. She was dressed casually in a simple beige outfit, her blonde hair loosely pulled back, making her look younger than her actual age.
Rei Ao took one look and knew she'd made an effort to dress up. Complimenting her, he said:
"Sayuri, you look gorgeous today—truly stunning."
At that, she beamed.
"Thank you, Rei Ao. Come in; dinner's almost ready."
She stepped aside, letting them enter. Her gaze flicked between her daughter and Rei Ao, a hint of playful cunning in her eyes.
Rei Ao took off his shoes and walked into the spacious living room with Eriri. The décor was distinctly European, yet felt cozy. On the dining table were meticulously prepared dishes: seared foie gras, Boeuf Bourguignon, Niçoise salad—an authentic French feast. They all looked appetizing, signifying Sayuri's diligence in learning these dishes, presumably for his sake.
"Rei Ao, sit here,"
Sayuri said, gesturing to a seat next to Eriri. She herself planned to sit on his other side, effectively sandwiching him. Despite the size of the table, they chose to stay close. Rei Ao didn't object—this sort of closeness was natural for his "women," after all.
"Ah~"
Eriri twirled a small portion of pasta around her fork and brought it to Rei Ao's mouth.
"Try this. Mom's special sauce."
"Mm, yes. I had Eriri taste-test it before. She said it's quite good."
Sayuri smiled, watching them contentedly.
"Hmph, Mom basically used me as her taste-tester."
Eriri grumbled, "Am I less important than Rei Ao in your eyes?"
"Ehe~"
Sayuri leaned against Rei Ao's shoulder in jest.
"You might say that," she teased.
"Mooom!"
Eriri pouted. She turned to Rei Ao:
"Mom likes you more—tell me you like me more, quick!"
She fluttered her eyes coyly, voice sugary sweet. Rei Ao could only chuckle at this surreal scene.
"Alright, alright, I like you both equally."
Like the master of balance, he lightly pecked each of them. Seeing Eriri still wanting to say something more, Sayuri intervened:
"Eriri, don't make things awkward for Rei Ao~"
"Ugh…"
"Fine, fine. I'll drop it. Hmph—let's eat. Ah~"
Realizing how unproductive her jealousy was, Eriri continued her feeding play. Rei Ao accepted the bite of pasta. It was indeed delicious, the cream and truffle flavors blending perfectly. But what he savored more was Eriri's hopeful gaze and Sayuri's gentle smile.
In the company of these beauties, even a simple meal was enchanting.
"How is it?"
Sayuri asked anxiously. She'd had Eriri sample it first, but still wasn't sure it fit Rei Ao's palate.
"It's great. Thanks for going to so much trouble to learn this just for me."
Even if it had been lacking, he wouldn't have the heart to criticize her.
"Phew… I'm glad."
Hearing his praise firsthand, Sayuri relaxed, her own heart filled with warmth. Making the man she liked happy brought her genuine joy.
"Wah, don't shower each other with sweetness in front of me!"
Eriri teased.
"Anyway, have some foie gras next."
She cut a small piece of foie gras and, this time, used her fingers to hold it out for Rei Ao.
"You know,"
Sayuri chimed in, "Eriri has always been good at taking care of people. When she was little, she'd feed me like this too. Now she's grown, and it's Rei Ao's turn."
"Mooom!"
Eriri whined, "Don't mention all that!"
"Alright, alright."
Sayuri chuckled.
"But seeing how well you two get along makes me really happy."
Their dinner carried the warm atmosphere of a family meal. Both Eriri and Sayuri relished the moment. As for Rei Ao, he enjoyed being pampered by two lovely ladies, one after another.
~~~
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